Take a moment first to reflect on why you are considering pursuing a doctoral degree.

• Are you aiming for an academic career at a university, a university of applied sciences, or a non-university research institution? (e.g. becoming a professor or leading a research group)
• Do you have a particularly strong interest in a research topic and wish to deepen your expertise, or do you greatly enjoy academic and scientific work?
• Would you like to work later in a highly specialized research or development department in industry (e.g. pharmaceuticals, automotive, IT, high-tech)?
• In your specific field, is a doctoral dissertation considered a “door opener” that would enable career opportunities that might otherwise be very difficult to achieve?
• Do you have the time and personal circumstances to invest several years in your career development while accepting a lower income compared to other positions?

The points listed above are all valid reasons for pursuing a doctorate. However, you should reconsider if your primary goal is to gain practical professional experience quickly or if you are considering a dissertation only due to a lack of alternatives.

It is beneficial to have a clear understanding from the outset of your career prospects with or without a doctorate. Depending on the industry or career path, a completed doctorate carries different weight. It is also important to recognise that a doctorate is always an investment in the future. Graduates do not automatically receive better jobs as a result. Rather, it opens up specific career paths that become accessible in the medium to long term through doctoral studies.

• Academic career: The dissertation is a prerequisite for all further stages, from postdoctoral positions through to professorship. The doctorate can be seen as a gateway into the academic world.
• Industry & business: In R&D departments and in high-tech companies, a doctorate is an advantage. It can also be beneficial for senior management positions and in consulting, but it is rarely essential. For most other roles, gaining professional experience is more important.
• Public sector: In some cases, a doctorate is a requirement for senior positions, but it is rarely mandatory.
• Start-ups / entrepreneurship: A doctorate is not necessarily required. The focus here is rather on gaining experience quickly.

You should carefully consider the following aspects for your intended project in advance, as individual research groups can differ significantly:

• Timeframe: The minimum duration of a doctoral programme at TU Wien is three years (six semesters). You should find out about the typical duration in your intended working environment.
• Funding and employment status: What financial resources are available for the duration of your doctorate? Is funding secured for the entire period, or will you need to apply for additional grants? What happens if your completion is delayed? If you are not employed in a doctoral position, you should also check how access to the necessary infrastructure will be ensured.
• Supervision: Who will supervise you? How many doctoral candidates are already being supervised by this person? How many candidates successfully complete their doctorate? What is the working atmosphere within the research group like?
• Topic selection: How well does the topic align with your interests? If you are aiming for a professorship, to what extent can the research group support you in publishing in high-quality venues and building international networks?

A doctoral degree requires a great deal of energy and perseverance. There will also be challenging phases along the way. Setbacks and detours are part of research. You should therefore be honest with yourself and reflect on your own personality. The following qualities are particularly important:

• Self-motivation: You need to be able to work and conduct research independently over several years.
• Frustration tolerance: Research often involves setbacks. You need the resilience and mindset to repeatedly try again and keep moving forward.
• Teamwork & networking: Exchange with other researchers is essential.
• Writing and presentation skills: There is no doctorate and no academic career without publications, conferences, and ultimately the dissertation. You can further develop academic writing skills and seek support, but it should not be entirely unfamiliar to you.
• Resilience and social support network: There may be emotionally demanding phases. Support from friends and family can provide strength and help prevent overload.
• Teaching ability: Enjoying teaching and learning.

Your decision to pursue a doctoral degree also depends on the available alternatives. You should therefore consider the following scenarios:

• Direct entry into the workforce: This option offers faster practical experience, usually a higher income, and the opportunity to build a career in industry from an earlier stage.
• MBA or other additional qualifications: If you are aiming for a management position in the medium term, an MBA or a master’s programme with a focus on business or economics following a technical degree may be beneficial. These programmes can sometimes also be completed on a part-time basis alongside work.
• Research in industry: In many companies, it is possible to work on applied research and innovative projects without holding a doctorate.

If you are still undecided, it is advisable to actively seek discussions with:

• former doctoral candidates in your field (e.g. via alumni networks or LinkedIn)
• HR professionals in your target sector (e.g. at career fairs, to better assess your career opportunities)
• possible supervisors (to evaluate how well the topic and framework conditions match your expectations)